The Good Fight

I recently had the honor of working on one of my instructors from Art Center. Beginning his career working for Disney, actually helping build Disneyland, he has enjoyed an amazing career, now being able to give back by teaching as well as creating children's books, which you can view here. I have come to understand that the life of an artist is not an easy one. Most are spent struggling, some lead to torment, almost none lead to riches... so why then? At some point passion overides all. You battle back at what comes at you for following your lifes greatest ambitions. In return you get the fulfillment of one that has fought to follow the dream, not just as an artist but whatever your craft may be. Not conforming to society's idea of the norm, and having the courage to be an individual, is what I respect. Ron Robledo has mine. For his piece we pulled inspiration from the classic underdog film, Rocky. A great session with Ron, take a look..

âLife's not about how hard of a hit you can give... it's about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward.â Â Â -Rocky Balboa

Anatomy Of Type

Going back to my younger years, I remember bombing the city streets using graffiti as a tool to communicate my art. That deep rooted passion for lettering would cultivate there and later grow into the form of a tattoo, as most of my first tattoos were of course lettering. Its elegance and timeless qualities have always inspired me, but not until recently did I really get to explore the beautiful world of typography in the historical sense. Diving into the birth of hand drawn symbolism, to the old styles of the early empires, and thenÂ coming full circle to today.Â To push and explore any area of interest,Â its important to understand the anatomy of where it comes from. Thinking about balance, weight, spacing, and overall harmony within the letters in just as important asÂ the word that is being communicated. Studying alongsideÂ graphic designers at my school that are religious about this stuff has made me look at type in a whole new context. TakeÂ a look into the process...

Learning through endless practice...

"Know the rules well, so that you can break them effectively" -Daili Lama

Its interesting to see how tattoo artists have pushed the boundaries with lettering such as script and old style fonts. Watching guys likeÂ Miguel Ochoa and Johhny Opina push the envelope into creating these trulyÂ unique styles that my instructors trip out on isÂ nothing short of inspiring. To thinkÂ that tattooing is impacting and contributing to something 1000's of years old is amazing.

Showcase

I was both suprised and humbled to be awarded here in Rome at the convention over the weekend. Having so many amazing artists under one roof is always inspiring for me and now being able to have my work stand alongside them is truly an honor. We took home 1st small black and grey for the work done on our very own Krystal. I was talking with Jose about what these awards mean. When you work as hard as we do, its obvious we don't put in the hours in hopes to just receive awards. Its our craft, our passion, our commitment to excellence, that keeps us pursuing this. But its also nice to be awarded with a kind of recognition that is respected by your fellow tattoo artist, as the ones are here over seas. It feels good to be awarded for my work, but knowing that my mentors and colleagues are proud of me and what i'm doing, feels better...

The award was a piece of art in its own right. Something nice to bring home to moms.

WAR HORSE

I managed to take a trip to Santa Anita Racetrack last week alongside my father to watch some of the countries most fit horses battle it out on the track. With pop, it was a trip down memory lane. The day was filled with stories of how he would cut class in junior high only to be able to catch the opening race by noon. He couldn't have been more than 15, and would find gentlemen hanging around the track to place his bets for him. When I was 15, I wouldn't have to look far, for I always had pop to get in on a piece of the action and place my bets for me...

My pops love for horses quickly rubbed off on me at a young age.Â The mixture of both beauty and grace, as well as power and strength, has always intrigued me about horses. This rare formula creates a harmony that is most incredible.

Their god-like muscles that bulge from their physique, when triggered, can burst with such power that it is unchallenged. Yet step away from the field and they are most elegant and graceful with every poised step that they take. Peaceful... yet intense.

Da Vinci also shared my love for horses...

Â Seeing these magnificent animals up close is something you have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate. I could hang around this place all day

Although me and pop didn't win a fortunate betting all the longshots, it was, to say the least.... a memorable day. To take you out, heres a shot of the sculpture of famous miracle horse Seabiscuit,Â that welcomes you as you enter the park.

Michelangelos creation

I've officially died and gone to heaven. I cannot recall another time in my life that my eyes have layed upon such beauty and perfection. They say there are some things in life you truly have to experience to understand, and standing under the SistineÂ chapel is especially one that is like none other.

Now photography in the chapel is strictly prohibited, but since you all have been so loyal...

"Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving."

Never Surrender

Been away from the computer for awhile, taking a break to relax the mind a little. Will share some photos from the past few weeks soon, but for now heres a look back at some work from the a few weeks back. The good brother John is back in the studio from Chicago. Building on what we had started on his last visit, we made some good progress with this meeting. Pulling inspiration from the trials and tribulations of Hercules, John can easily relate to those unthinkable feats embarked on during his time spent in Afghanistan. One of the first deployed after 9/11, his stories that he shared were nothing short of amazing that he is still here with us. The funny thing about John is, you would think after all of the shit he had been through over there he would hold bitter feelings of anger or resentment. Actually he is the opposite. Probably the most approachable guy in the room he is full of life and always has a smile on his face when he's here with us. A true soldier, he did what he had for us and was able to maintain himself in the process. A real inspiration for all of us...

Map Out

Lately I've been getting lost in the beautiful world that is painting. When prepping for a larger piece, one can never forget to neglect the planning, studying and problem solving that goes into the development stages. Before moving forward to the finish, theÂ big problems first need to be solved. As with anything, the importance lies in the bricks. Here's a look at a head study for a new painting in the works.

A short clip pulled from Instagram, take a walk through some of the process...

King’s Path

Making some progress with our good brother Toby Leonard's collection. This is the first piece of many that will fill the remainder of his leg. Toby, who has been one of our main support systems in London, recently made the move to LA to pursue some great opportunities. Im proud of my brother, who is embarking on this new chapter in his life. Not many can muster the courage to make those bigger decisions that dictate what one's future will be. Dreams are the inspiration, ambition starts with courage, why make it harder than it is? Take the leap and test the waters. With Toby it was a no brainer, and he has the discipline and passion to do great things out here, which I am looking forward to seeing unfold. Always a pleasure working on my brother from another mother, take a look at progress from last night's session.

Back In The Days… NOMAD

Its so important to surround yourself with like minded positive people as you pursue your craft. As I look back on the ones with the greatest influence on me as a younger artist and now today, I can see how much they truly inspired and impacted me. I Remember beign a little knucklehead at 14 and finding Grafitti. I picked up a can of spray paint and had no idea what I was doing. It wasn't until my good friend, R.I.P Joe Hyland, began showing me the ropes and educating me on the medium, that I began to love and pursue the artform in a different way. There's is only so much you can learn and do on your own, the truth is when you learn and grow alongside your piers that are just as hungry and passionate as you are, is when the magic happens...

Heres a little walk down memory lane with some of my old graffiti work from back in 2003- 2005. The piece below was done in honor of my biggest influence in the art, Kidicarus... Rip brother

Life AFTER

The brother Mike is in for another round with his life and death inspired collection. Homestretch with Mike as we come full circle to wrap the lower leg. Diving into the transitions that lead to the afterlife, there is a beauty that lies in death... rebirth.

The skull plays its part to symbolize mortality and the notion of memento mori, while the butterflies symbolize rebirth and growth.

âEach night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.â -Mahatma Gandhi

Savior

Another great start that will serveÂ as a foundation for the long-term.Â One of the noblest professionsÂ that I have come to admire is the commonly overlooked position of our firemen. When these boys get the call 9 times out of 10 its a life orÂ death situation, andÂ day in and day out they come to the aid of the onesÂ who call upon them. The lower section represents the painÂ andÂ uncertaintyÂ that is shared on theÂ end of theÂ suffering. And above, is the veiled angel whoÂ embodies the idea of the unknown hero who will soon be their savior. Blessed to know that there are try herosÂ like my brother Jared are on the other end if I were to need them.

Back To Back

Back to back sessions with the brother Joel who made the trip all the way from Australia. Long days turned into longer nights and being that we only had a few days we had to make the most out of the time we had. The first day was spent on the Lady Justice inspired piece dealing with the idea of life and the pursuit of success and happiness. Its easy to let trends or money get in the way of the way we perceive the world around us to be. Sometimes we might get so lost in this that we find ourselves trying to lead the lives of others. For Joel its aboutÂ blinding yourself to the outer world in order to truly find what feels right to your own sensibilities. And once find it don't look back...

A closer look with the classic Og Abel money rose used to seal off the lower section

As we move to the inner section of the arm we are met with the idea of "moment mori." Which is a latin phrase that translates to "remember you must die". Death is inevitable, but how we use our time while we are here is up to us. Joel is a world traveler and wakes up every morning eager to began his next adventure. This is a daily reminder to continue to do so.

A huge thanks to Joel for making the trip out and sticking it out with me through those long sessions.

Join the Ranks

Dangerously Beautiful

Long days lead to longer nights. Much exciting work has been in the works in and out of the studio lately, that will be revealed shortly. For now, take a look into a recent project with the brother Sal.

To kick off Sal's collection he chose to pay homage to the strong and beautiful mexican women that have impacted his life.

Never underestimate the strength of a woman, especially one ready for war...

Remember fellas, it's a man's world, but it wouldn't be nothin without a woman or a girl.

Unchained

The brother Myles is back in to finetune the collection. Being the first one in his family to dive in and pursue a career in the medical field, we focused on the moments that led up to his chosen path. Hardly ever, are others willing to share your dream, your passion, or even attempt to believe in it as you do. Especially in its earliest stages, before the seed begans to grow and bloom. For Myles, like many others, the hardest part for him was to break free from the life that was planned for him and start his own journey, to pursue the life that was meant from him. The great ones usually have to go against the grain at some point, Myles is no different.

With this collection there are many subtle reference points. The figure lower right acting as the oracle that leads the heart, followed by the motherly figure to the left providing the love and support that was shown by his moms along the way. Making our way up to the untamed passion that can only stay quite for so long.

A big thanks to Myles for unduring some long hours to this project all the way through. This short clip from apple goes out to all the crazy ones out there thatÂ think different...

Organized Chaos

A small look intoÂ a portion of the work being prepared right now for midterms at Artcenter. Here's a few preliminaryÂ illustrations showing invaluable early thinking that goes before anyÂ final compositions. Scrambling to prepare countless presentations with not even close to enough time to do so.Â Long nights will surely leadÂ into early mornings. When failure is not an option you must deliver by any means. Stay posted.

REPENT

TATTOOLIFE

Hard work pays off. Honored to have our team spotlighted in the newest issue of Tattoo Life Magazine. A great article showcasingÂ a deeper look into what happens behind the scenes during our travels. Good friend and up and comingÂ writer,Â Michael Nguyen, met with us during our last trip to the east coast back in December and shared the experience first hand. Think deeper than the finished product and focus on what lies within. Again the process of development, how and why, are crucial, butÂ the team, even more so...

Every member contributes in their own right. One person's hard work can lead to great things, but when the collective effort of those willing to work and sacrifice themselves for oneÂ shared vision come together,Â the possibilities become endless.

"The strength of the team is each individual member, the strength of each member is the team."Â

Jose Lopez, Klown Saravia, Pablo Aponte and myself share the endless amount of work that goes into these trips,Â and the rich fulfillment that blesses us thereafter.

A huge thanks to Michael NguyenÂ and Miki Vialetto for the opportunity. Pick up your issue today...

Destroy…Rebuild

Only a few hours rest after I returned from London, did I find myself back in full swing with the Fall term here at Art Center. Halfway through the program things are starting to make sense. The theme is simple...

Destroy ... & Rebuild

A brief look into a couple of studies done over the past few days. The key to growing in any craft is to come to an understanding that every brick layed will uiltimately lead you towards the finish. All time spent on any lesson learned is used later. So it only makes sense that in whatever you do with your time you are always fully invested. Of course you would, right? No matter how basic, or simple, or seemingly unimportant, you may not see it now but have faith that it will most definitely be called upon sometime down the line. Basic perspective may seem boring, but without that knowledge, recreating an ancient city in Greece would be that much more difficult... if it wasn't so much already.

Once again I preach that the foundation is the most important ingredient.

This term im diving back into my studies with oil as a medium. It feels great to be pushing paint around once again on a regular basis. Finding inspiration for a few fun head studies was closer to home than I thought. One was inspired by the big homie Estevan, pulling an image from his Classic book, LA WOMAN.

The other was my neighbor Gonzo. My instructor wanted me to find someone the was intense and very charismatic. He gets Gonzo. Luckily he is always willing to lend a hand when it comes to doing my homework. Don't let the tough shell fool you, underneath is a big tedybear.Â

Holy Grail

It's been a smooth journey with my brother Michael. With last night's session we were able to seal up his chest we had started some time ago. Unlike other mediums, tattooing is purely a collaborative process between both the artist and client. If one is more invested then the other the results are never met to their fullest potential. It's not just the client or the artist, but both to be equally invested in the process, from start to finish. Since day one Michael has been soldier. No whining, easy to work with, and sits like a rock every time. Take a look at the finished work focusing on the religious key figures; St. Paul and the Virgin Mary.

One of the biggest questions the artist's asks himself is when is the work finished? With each session you dig deeper and deeper, and it gets harder to say when...

"Art is never finished, only abandoned." -Leonardo Da Vinci

A big thanks to Michael for soldiering through those long sessions with me. A great start with his collection.

Supreme Virtuoso

How can I began to express the genius I witnessed in Florence. Let me start by giving you all a brief background on the history of this masterpiece even before Michelangelo came into the picture.Â Many had attempted to sculpt this seemingly perfectÂ block of marble before him and had given up due to the near perfect technique needed to execute this flawless marble. It was not until 25 years later, that Michelangelo would pick up where these failed attempts left off, in an attempt to finish what no other man was able. For three years Michelangelo worked in secrecy, often sleeping fully clothed so he could continue his work upon waking. Da Vinci is quoted describing him as such,Â "He looks like a baker. The marble dust ï¬ours all over him and his back is covered with a snowstorm of chips." Supreme dedication and personal torment would endure as such, up until the unveiling of the time's greatest masterpiece.

It is said that, "Anyone who has seen Michelangeloâs David has no need to see anything else by another sculptor, living or dead"

Sacrifice

The brother Matt is back down from the bay to continue work with his backpiece. The initial sessions for larger scale projects such as this one, are mainly dedicated to laying down the groundwork and really trying to see the direction we want to take with each collection. With the foundation set, we began building...still much work to be done, heres a look in process.

Matt's back is based around the idea of sacrifice.

Still to early to go into detail, but keep in mind...

"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live." -Martin Luther King Jr.

A big thanks to Matt for making the trip. Be sure to keep an eye out for future sessions to come.

SPOTLIGHT

The new issue of Urban Ink just dropped with Â in-depth interviews on myself as well as Jose Lopez, Jun Cha and Miguel Ochoa. Couldn't be any more proud and honored to share a spread alongside my brothers, as we do here. The article focuses on the strength of our team and the continued growth of us all as artists. Interesting stories from all that shed light on humble beginnings and brighter futures. A huge thank you to Urban Ink and our brother Michael Nguyen for the honor. Be sure to pick up your copy today and read up on the articles yourself.

On a day like today…

On a day like today the greatest painter to ever live was born. Rembrandt Van Rijn has been a artist under close observation lately, with an ongoing master copy of his currently in the works. His process, technique and magnificent brushwork is something to be schooled on time and time again. Here's a look into some of the works we witnesses in Florence earlier in the year. Notice the evolution of his brushwork from the earlier more refined to later more abstract.

Saint Felipe

National Treasures

After a week of straight tattooing I managed to break out of the studio with the brotherÂ JunÂ to explore the city some. First stop was the National Gallery to admire some of the worlds most treasured masterpieces. When it comes to painting collections like this, the masters still live...

From Caravaggio to Rembrandt, Michelangelo to Rafael, me and Jun spent the day drooling over countless masterpieces

The virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo... Timeless

What we found most interesting though was the pieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo that showed their process. The unfinished painting by Michelangelo below was one I didn't even know existed.

And Lastly, this amazing drawing by Da Vinci. Showcased in a private room this piece reveals his finished perfection but more importantly his raw process. The natural aesthetic to his marks translate beauty that is simply not matched. Da Vinci was it....

Don’t Let Up

Checking back in from the daily grind. No days off in the studio alongside my right hand Jose. Again, working through those vigorous sessions, as nights turn into early mornings.Â Surrender yourself to your work, and uncover the true fulfillment that is found in the process. When you let go off time, and embrace every moment with everything that you got, you tap into aÂ purity in the form of true passion.

Inner Peace

Slow down.... trade in the freeway for the unchartedÂ mountain trail.Â Loose the city life and find the peace that lies within trueÂ nature.Â Â A few months back,Â before the term started back up at Art Center, I took it upon myself to break free from the daily grind and get lost in the wilderness. You must always take time toÂ regroup the mind and soak up inspiration from the greatest designer of all.

-Robert Frost

Wandering through forests filled with RedwoodsÂ over 2000 years old, enjoying crystal clear water to crystal filled caves,Â beauty is at every corner.

Some friends I came across on my journey.Â

They say to truly experience peace one must have enduredÂ the struggles that are found in the trenches. If you are ruthless with your work and know the trenches I speak of, you need this in your life.Â A free mind with no anxiety or stress, is the mind at its purest. Never before I have been ably to think so clearly, taking this opportunity to reflect on the year and prepare for whats to come.Â

Committed

The brother Gary is back in from Houston Texas to continue. This session was spent laying in both hand shots. One based on strengthÂ and one family. To think, five months ago, Gary came to see me he had not one tattoo, and now we've just about sealed up both arms completely.Â Its clients like Gary that understand the process, the patience and endurance involved with reaching the end of these large scale projects. Quality is always the motivation. With time and persistence we get there. Always good to have Gary in the chair... be sure to look out for final looks with his collection...

Victoria’s Angel

The brother Cj made the trip out from Virginia to begin work to his lower right sleeve. A fun way to put a twist on the classic angel theme. Like me, Cj has his queen back home, but it doesn't hurt have having a girl like this one watching over your shoulder when times get rough. Strong first pass with the brother who sat like a rock.

Student

The past week has been a refreshing reminder that the student is the best position one can obtain. Since I walked through the doors over here at Lowrider I have been consumed in absorbing all the knowledge that Jose and the rest of the homies have been willing to share with me. This studio houses nothing but family, and it just so happens that they are some of the most talented artists I have had the honor of getting to know. With the adjustment and the vigorous workload ahead the homies have been preparing me for whats to come... In the meantime let me give you a sneak view of what Jose has been up to in the lab...

I hope Jose doesn't mind me sharing this with you all, for it is still in its early stages of completion, but I couldn't help myself.

Timeless...

Catching my breath before I dive back into the studio. One last thing, take a trip down memory lane with Jose on the Lowrider Tattoo Studios Blog. Thanks for the honor brother.

Sisters Of The Inquisition

Had the privelage of visiting with the big brother Shaun Berke at his studio today. When you hear about all of these incredibley talented underground Â painters, and they are out there, Shaun is one at the top of that list. Fellow Art Center alumn who stills come back to teach as well, this guy's talent and knowledge in the field of painting goes unmatched. With a solo exhibition nearing at the reputable La Luz De Jesus Gallery, my man has been dedicating much time into his newest body of work entitled, "Sister's of the Inquistion."

"When principles are put to the question, there is no escaping physical reality. Though an idea cannot be broken, a bearer can. Fire speaks to ice, and an acolyte melts. These are the forms of water, unbound, in the house of black and white. These are wet nuns.Â
Drink Venezia dry."

Luckily for me he took some time fom his hectic schedule to talk with me about his work and show me around his studio.Â Its always inspiring to walk into a room filled with amazing work, not just finished but in process as well.

Shaun has been experimenting lately developing his own techniques, which are beyond me at this point. The technical level he is executing is truly incredible. But yet he makes it look so easy...

You can tell much about a man by what books he houses in his library. It pays to be the one that knows...

Â

"SISTERS OF THE INQUISITION"

January 4 - 27, 2012

Artist Reception: Friday, January 4th; 8-11 PM

Â A big thanks to Shaun for having me. Note that this is only a glimpse into what he will be showcasing come January. If you are in the area this show is a MUST.

Uffizi Painting Collection

Florence houses one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the western world.Â Take a minute to soak in some much-needed inspiration with a walk through the Uffizi Gallery's painting collection found right here in the heart of the city. At the beginning of the trip I had the opportunity to take in the collection at the Vatican, and now here we are once again with more masterpieces to drewl over. I have found myself in a very critical point in my pursuit of painting and the arts in general. Seeing these masterpieces for myself has given me a boost of hunger to return home to work and study harder than ever before. These artists reached the levels that they did not by chance, luck or any magic of any kind. No tricks or gimmicks, but passion, commitment and perseverance. Nothing in this world is given, but if we strive for more, we can surprise ourselves at what can be achieved. I believe that the greats had no idea of what their work and passions would lead to. The levels that they reached, in many cases had never been reached before. One thing I am sure they had in common is a thirst that couldn't be quenched, a love for their work that overrides any selfish need or want. When you find your life's work, nothing else matters. Find your niche and own it. Learn from the greats and push it further...

Enjoy

Botticelli

Leonardo Da Vinci

Michelangelo

Raphael

Artemisia Gentileschi

Caravaggio

Van Dyck

And lastly the man who reached the highest level of painting than any other... the one and only Rembrandt. Here you can see his development from early in his career to his later more abstract style later in career.

Vandal Squad

Here are some flicks from a recent trip to the "Art In The Streets" exhibit at the MOCA in downtown LA. Jeffrey Deitch did an amazing job at bringing the worlds most dominating graffiti artists from all corners of the globe to showcase their talent, and most of them did so right there on the spot, straight bombing the walls in the museum. Being a graffiti artist myself this exhibit was very inspiring. The bridge between so-called fine art and "street art" is slowing disappearing into thin air. Now we are seeing living proof with this exhibit. Whether it be Tattooing, Graffiti Art, etc. I wont let supreme talent be overlooked by a certain label that is put upon us. We WILL overcome our being enslaved for so long, break the chains, storm the world with OUR style, and earn our respected level in history with the rest of the greats!! Keep moving fam were well on our way.... in the meantime enjoy some inspiration..

Switch Gears

The brothers and I are back on US soil and back to work. After a great trip to Europe its time to dive back into my studies with school as well as taking all the inspiration I soaked up from over seas and re-injecting it back into my work. The studio is like our lab. Constantly we are trying to new things, working nonstop, anxiously waiting to showcase and share that progress with the world. In fact, one of the main purposes that we travel is this, to spread what we are excited about here at Lowrider with you all. Under this roof there are no egos, no negativity, just a band of brothers collectively driving this craft in hopes to push it to another plateau. I guess what I am trying to say is it feels good to be home...

Temptations

Jarome is back in to continue. With prior themes surrounding deception and now building towards temptation and the symbolism behind the forbidden fruit. Constant reminder to stay focused and stay the course.

Afghan Anguish

Another one for the books with the brother Manny. With roots planted deep in the turmoil of Afghanistan, we began his collection honoring the struggles that he bare witness. No holding back with Manny for his first tattoo. Long hours with this one but the brother held firm and power through. Much more to come from him in the coming months.

Parental Guidance

Another good start... Client reflecting on the impact of the twoÂ most influential people in his life. I can only imagine what comes withÂ raisingÂ a child. The responsibilities of guiding a life, preparing one for the world unknown, deserves the highest honor. This one goes out to all the mothers and fathers out there that have made the ultimate sacrifice, putting their dreams on hold to give the greatest gift of all... we salute you

Milano Convention

Milano Convention x Lowrider Tattoo

Â Wrapping up work here at the Milano Convention. It's not every day where I am able to receive advice from great artists like Robert Hernandez and get to watch the masters of the Horitoshi family work under the same roof. Any amazing weekend to say the least. Aside from slaving away at the booth I managed to break free a minute and see what the world looked like away from my station. The greatest part was having the opportunity to meet so many great people from all over the world, both collectors and artists.Â So much love here in Italy, enjoy a few views from the show. Jose leads us into battle...

The brother Miguel showing strong all weekend.

Our brother Macko from Italy had the honor to seal up Og David's body suit, which later took 1st place for best overall body suit.

Horitishi family keeping tradition alive, a privilege to witness their process in person.

Looking forward to returning to Rome come May. Thanks once again for all the continued love and support.